Being a juror

Skip to search
Skip to Navigation
Accessibility Statement

Jury service is one of the most important civic duties that anyone can be asked to perform, with around 400,000 people summoned each year.

Jurors in the jury box Court scene showing a barrister

Introduction

You have probably been chosen at random from the electoral register to serve on a jury... and you're likely to have some questions - like why you have been summoned; how will it affect your work; will you get paid, can you serve at another time; how to organise childcare and so on.

Here you will find the answers to those questions.

But there's more to this guide than meets the eye... short videos in each section will give you a really good idea of what to expect. Then, if you go to the section 'All about the trial' you'll be able to see video highlights of the whole experience - being called onto a jury; entering court and being sworn in; who's who in the courtroom, and a jury reaching a verdict.

Your summons tells you that you are legally required to be a juror, but please don't be worried. Jury service can be interesting and rewarding.

To find out more about jury service, choose one of the sections on the left.

© Crown copyright|Privacy policy|Launch interactive guide

Criminal Justice System